Record Reviews

VAN MORRISON ~ ASTRAL WEEKS (EXPANDED EDITION) WARNER BROS. 081227952310 (Barcode: 081227952310) ~ IRELAND ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1968 Released: 2015 This is the remastered and expanded reissue of the iconic debut (see Side Note below) album by the celebrated Northern Irish singer / songwriter Van MorrisonFind albums by this artist. Recorded in a relaxed atmosphere and accompanied by a bunch of superb Jazz musicians: bassist Richard DavisFind albums by this artist, guitarist Jay BerlinerFind albums by this artist, percussionist / vibraphonist Warren Smith, Jr.Find albums by this artist, drummer Connie KeyFind albums by this artist and flautist / saxophonist John PayneFind albums by this artist, Morrison delivers his heartbreaking vocals full of poetic imaginary, becoming an instant superstar. Although the album did not chart and produced no singles, in time it became one of the most revered singer / songwriter albums of all times. The album includes a couple of older songs Morrison wrote earlier on and recorded demos of (see Side Note again), but most of the material was fresh and of course absolutely brilliant. The albums producer Lewis MerensteinFind albums by this artist later added orchestral arrangements by Larry FallonFind albums by this artist, but did not hurt the intimate atmosphere of the studio dates. The approach, that utilizes brass and a Jazzy rhythm section, which is present here, will in time become Morrison´s trademark, and which will continue for decades. Morrison´s vocal performances are, as usual, completely unique and incomparable to any other vocalist active at the time or since. Morrison stunned the music word with his unique combination of musical and poetic qualities, which happens only very rarely. Similarly to Bob Dylan, he always has a message and the massage was delivered on the wings of beautiful, moving and sophisticated musical chariot. The remastered sound and the bonus tracks are a very good reason to make this album a part of everybody´s music collection, as usual better late than never. Do not hesitate! Side Note: Following his departure from the celebrated ThemFind albums by this artist group, Morrison´s first musical outfit, in 1966 he moved to New York and signed with BangFind albums on this label Records, prompted by his manager and co-owner of the label. Morrison recorded eight song demos for the label, one of which called "Brown Eyed Girl" became a hit single. Consequently the label released all the songs as an LP album in 1967, in complete violation of the contract with Morrison and without his knowledge. The album, called "Blowin` Your Mind!Find albums with this title" is often counted as Morrison´s debut album, although he always completely disassociated himself from it. Here you have another pathetic story about the "Music Industry".

Updated: 09/02/2016Posted: 08/02/2016

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

THEM ~ THE COMPLETE THEM 1964-1967 SONY 888751505421 (Barcode: 888751505421) ~ IRELAND ~ Pop & Rock Recorded: 1964 - 1967 Released: 2015 This compilation collects all the recordings by the Northern Irish group ThemFind albums by this artist, which owes its fame to the fact that it included the charismatic vocalist Van MorrisonFind albums by this artist as its lead singer and principal songwriter. Both LPs released by the group, all their singles, EPs and a plethora of demos, radio sessions and other rarities are included here, spread over 3 CDs, with the third CD consisting entirely of previously unreleased material. To be honest the title is a bit confusing and incorrect, since Them continued to record after Morrison left the group and their later output is quite interesting musically. But of course Them with Morrison at the helm are another story. Musically Them were quite similar to other early Rock And Roll / Rhythm And Blues bands that swept the British Isles from the early 1960s on. They were perhaps a bit more Blues oriented than others, but basically the sound and melodic approach was pretty ordinary at the time. Of course Morrison´s songs had a catchy side to them and his unique vocals and delivery turned the group into a moderate success story both in Britain and across the pond. The original songs written by Morrison, which are present herein, show his potential as a songwriter, which would fully blossom shortly after he moved on to start his solo career. The limited Pop format was not suitable for his complex poetic lyrics at the time, and only after the music went through Psychedelic Pop, Progressive Rock and the Summer of Love (mind you it all just took only a couple of years), the world was ready for the new poetic Van Morrison. The lineup of the band went through countless changes and during the recording session many musicians from outside the group were used. In the liner notes Morrison talks about it at length and it shouldn´t surprise the more refined listeners to hear Jimmy PageFind albums by this artist on guitar from time to time. Overall this collection is a superb historical document of the era and a must have item for Van Morrison fans. The remastered sound is excellent and the entire affair is a lovely trip down the memory line. Definitely worth investigating!

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: 10/02/2016

CD 3 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

THEMROC 3 ~ ROCTHEM! WHYPLAYJAZZ 029 (Barcode: 4250459990391) ~ GERMANY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2015 Released: 2016 This is the debut album by the Berlin based trio Themroc 3Find albums by this artist, which consists of German clarinetist Benjamin WeidekampFind albums by this artist, Austrian trumpeter Richard KochFind albums by this artist and German drummer Michael GrienerFind albums by this artist. Although existing since 2002 the trio apparently did not make an album earlier. The album presents eight original compositions, four each by Weidekamp and Griener. The music of the trio is a refreshing mixture of Circus, Cabaret, and German brass music and of course Jazz elements, which is a pure delight from start to finish. The humorous and often arrogant / punkish attitude is all in good taste and makes the listeners simply to put a huge smile on their faces. But beneath the imaginary simplicity there is a deep layer of sophistication and clever inventiveness, which turns the seemingly simple elements into a fascinating puzzle. This is of course typically European music, which could not have been created anywhere but in Europe and Berlin in particular. Echoes of the 1920s Berlin nonchalance and intellectual mayhem are plainly audible in this music, and if Kurt WeillFind albums by this artist was alive today it is highly possible he would have loved to join the trio on stage. There is something liberating and mind-blowing about this music, which puts things in their right perspective. Fun is fun, humor is humor and life is life… I had to listen several times to this album before I was ready to make up my mind what to write. Its impact is so "right in your face" that only very few albums a year come even close to this effect. Therefore don´t judge this album after just one listening session; let it sink and simmer down before it hits you again, like an old wine getting better with every sip. Truly amazing stuff! Congrats to Roland SchulzFind albums by this artist for releasing this gem and his WhyPlayJazzFind albums on this label label for being a home to so many great recordings!

Updated: 20/09/2016Posted: 20/09/2016

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend